Switch mechanism for conveying systems



' April 1935- M. J.-ANDERSON 1,998,065

SWITCH MECHANISM FOR CONVEYING SYSTEMS Original Filed April 11, 1932 7 Sheets-Sheet l ROLL! N6 MILL FURNACE g l l I u I :2 i I E a E I l\ v I INVENTOH MARTIN JANDERSON ATTORNEYS '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 MJJ'. ANDERSON SWITCH MECHANISM FOR CONVEYING SYSTEMS Original Filed April 11, 1932 April 16,1935.

7 mm m I l o) INVENTOR MARTIN J-ANDERSON /6214 1&1 M

' ATTORNE Y5 April 16, 1935. M. J. ANDERSON SWITCH MECHANISM FOR CONVEYING SYSTEMS Original Filed April 11, 1932 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 il EFI M k MARTIN JANDERSQN 7m ATTORNEYS w mm Am. G b R Q um NM. w w m April 1935. M. J; ANDERSON 1,998,065

SWITCH MECHANISM FOR CONVEYING SYSTEMS Original FilecLApril 11, 1932 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 2 a I5 29 29 l e 2 i 1a 2 /5 22 29 r -mmcnm -mmm cu uau:

- 27 2 5 v 3/ 37 39 5935 37 37 66 v 39- I 32 .32

I S I! I? Q I .3 32' 7V I 24140 -.38 54 4 '36 i I 133 55 MA RT'IN J- ANDERsoN 57 Q44, 6L4

April 16, 1935. M. J. ANDERSON SWITCH MECHANISM FOR CONVEYING SYSTEMS Original Filed April 11, 1932 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR J.ANDER5ON MARTIN QM 1 4M ATTORNEYS Aprifi 16, 1935. M. J. ANDERSON SWITCH MECHANISM FOR CONVEYING SYSTEMS Original Filed April 11, 1932 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 ATTORNEYS April 16,1935. M. J. ANDERSON 1,998,065

SWITCH MECHANISM FOR CONVEYING SYSTEMS Original Filed April 11, 1932 '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 k INVENTOF? MARTIN JANDERSON Patentecl Apr. 16, 1935 v t i 1 998 865 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SWITCH MECHANISM FOR CONVEYING SYSTEMS Martin J. Anderson, Ellwood City, Pa., assignor to Mathews Conveyor Company, Ellwood City, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application April 11, 1932, Serial No. 604,380 Renewed January 11, 1935 17 Claims (01. 193-36) This invention relates to an improved switch Figure 2 is a plan view of Figure 1, the antimechanism adapted for use in connection with a friction conveyer W e being Omitted;

conveying system, to direct articles such, for ex- Figure 3 is an enlarged detail plan view of a ample, as metal sheets, either singly or in packs portion of the app Showing the w or bundles, packages, boxes, and various other able switch sections;

articles which are to be conveyed or transported gu 4 is a c oss Sec io a V ew On the l ne from a plurality of conveyers or stations to a f Fi ur S w One Of t wi h e -v single conveyer or receiving means. tions in raised operative position, and the other An object of the invention is to provide a simin a lowered ii'lepelettiVe position; i

ple and inexpensive switch to receive articles from two or more separate of F gu e sources,- of supply and feed them onto a suitable u e 6 S a C oss Sectional View on the line receiving means such as a single line conveyer. 015 Figure ow e Of t w ch Se A further object is to provide a switch mecho s w d inoperative p s anism incorporating anti-friction wheels as a Figure 7 is a similar view on the line 1--1 of 15 means for carrying the articles, whereby the ar- Figure how ng the other Switch section in ticles may be conveyed over the mechanism with raised operative position;

the least possible resistance, thereby providing Figure 3 is a Cress-Sectional w On the line for the transportation of articles at a greater of Figure Showing the PiVOt e l Which 1): speed than-has heretofore been possible on conthe movable Switch Sections oscillate; 2Q= veyers using ordinary rollers as a conveying Figure 9 is an end ew Of the w h meehameans. nism, taken on the line 9-9 of Figure 2, showing oth r objects of t invention d i t the control means provided over each conveyer provision f a conveyer switch g m of thesection adapted to be actuated by articles travel- 5; gravity type, adapted for automatic operation, I

and comprising a plurality of hinged conveyer etiOhS 0f the Switch Sections; switch sections, each connected with a separate Figure 10 is a detailfiectiohal View On the line source f Supply ,11 leading t main line Iii-l8 of Figure 3, showing the clearance slots conveyer; inthe means for alternately actuating provided in Certain rails of one of the Switch 9,. i it t o so t t when (me is in tions adapted to receive the rails of the other raised operative position, the other will be in a Switch Section; lowered inoperative position, out of line of travel Figure 11 is a diagrammatic p a w h of the articles; in the construction ofthe switch s articles being delivered over the Switch mechsecti'ons, per se; whereby they may be moved h into and out of a given plane; arrangement of the control means, including the trical Connections limit switches, motor and operating mechanism; devices; and and in the general construction of the switch Figure 13 is a diagrammatic P V e mechanism, as m, whereby t may he readswitch mechanism adapted to receive articles 40 ily moved about from place to place by a suitable crane or other carrying device.

between the various control In the selected embodiment of the invention here shown, there are illustrated for purposes of Other objects of the invention will appear m t following description and accompany disclosure, two stationary conveyer sections 2 and nal side rails 5' and 6 ing drawings and will be pointed out in the an- 3, eeeh Comprising i ud 413 nexed claims. I

In the accompanying drawings, th h b veyer section is curved inwardly, as best shown in disclosed a structure designed to carry out the Figures 2 and towards a Si g e li e conveyer 8,

various objects of the invention, b t it, is m be comprising side rails 9 and intermediate rails ll.

understood that the invention is not confined T e Curved ye o s 2 and 3 are shown to the exact features may be made within the scope of the claims cated generally by the numerals l2 and I3, and which follow. 7 the single line conveyer is shown supported upon In the drawings: Y a suitable structural frame indicated by. the nu- Figure 1 is a side elevation of my improved meral M. Suitable anti-friction wheels [5 are switch ,mechanism; mounted upon the mile 5, 6, and i of the conmechanism adapted Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view on the line 1() ing thereover to automatically control the oper- 2 5;

in the particular Figure 12 is a wiring diagram showing the elecfrom three separate sources of supply. 40

and intermediate rails 1. One end of each con- 45,

shown various changes supported upon suitable structural frames, indi- 50- veyer sections 2 and 3, and also upon the rails 9 and H of the conveyer section 8.

An important feature of this invention resides in the means provided for conveying articles from the two conveyer sections 2 and 3 onto the single line conveyer 8, whereby the danger of the articles becoming congested at the juncture of the three conveyors is minimized.

The means provided for thus conveying the articles from the conveyers 2 and 3 onto the single line conveyer 8, comprises a switch mechanism composed of two curved conveyer sect-ions l3 and H, which are pivotally connected to the receiving end of the single line conveyer 8 by means of a cross shaft 58, suitably supported upon the conveyer section 8. The pivoted end portions of the switch sections 13 and I! are substantially alined with the single line conveyer 3 and their opposite ends are adapted for vertical movement, whereby said switch sections may be moved into and out of alinement with the discharge ends of their respective curved conveyer sections 2 and 3.

The switch section [6 is shown comprising side rails I9 and 2| and a pair of intermediate rails 22, here shown as being formed of flat or strap iron. The swinging ends of the rails l3, 2 I, and 22 are secured to a cross rail 23, which is movable therewith, and their opposite ends are pivotally supported upon the cross shaft I 8. The switch section I! is shown comprising side rails 24 and 25 and intermediate rails 26, all of which are shown relatively wider, vertically, than the corresponding rails l9, 2|, and 22 of the switch section I6, as will readily be noted by reference to Figure 4. The rails 24, 25, and 26 of the switch section I! have secured to their lower portions, suitable channel bars 2! which extend lengthwise thereof and are secured to a suitable cross rail 28, provided at the receiving end of the switch section. The opposite ends of the rails of the switch section I! are pivotally supported upon the cross shaft 18, in a manner similar to the rails of the switch section I6.

Suitable anti-friction wheels 29 are mounted upon the rails 24, 25, and 26 of the two switch sections 16 and H, as best shown in Figure 3. The vertically movable ends of the switch sec tions are adapted to be elevated to positions wherein the tops of the anti-friction wheels thereof will be substantially alined with the tops of the anti-friction wheels 15 of the stationary conveyer sections 2 and 3.

In order to thus move the switch sections into and out of alinement with their respective conveyer sections 2 and 3, means must be provided whereby the longitudinally extending rails of the two switch sections will not interfere with one another, when the sections are alternately moved up and down. To thus avoid interference be tween the rails of the two switch sections, a plurality of notches 3| are provided in the upper edges of the rails 24, 25, and 23 of the switch section l7 adapted to receive the longitudinally extending rails 19, 2!, and 22 of the switch section l6, as clearly illustrated in Figures 4 and 10. It will also be noted by reference to Figure 3, that some of the anti-friction wheels of the switch section I! are arranged in staggered relation upon the side rails 24 and 26 in order to prevent the wheels from interfering with one another during operation of the switch sections.

Means are provided for alternately moving th switch sections it and I! into and out of alinement with their complemental stationary conveyer sections 2 and 3, and as shown in Figures 6 and. '7, may consist of suitable earns 32 and 33 mounted upon and secured to shaft 34 and 35, which are supported in suitable bearings 36 secured to the structural frame 13. The cams 32 and 33 are adapted to engage rollers 37, provided on the side rails of the two switch sections, as clearly shown in Figures 6 and 7. Thus, it will be seen that the weights of the vertically movable end portions of the two switch sections I6 and I! are carried upon the peripheries of the cams 32 and 33, so that when the latter are rotated, the switch sections will be vertically moved up and down into and out of alinement with the stationary conveyer sections 2 and 3. In the particular arrangement shown, it will be noted that the cams 32 and 33 are disposed in diametrically opposite relation so that when one switch section is elevated into alinement with its respective conveyer section, the other switch section will be in a lowered inoperative position.

The means provided for driving the cam shafts 34 and is best shown in Figures 1 and 3, and may consist of a drive shaft 38 supported in suitable bearings 39 secured to the structural frame 13. Bevel gears Mare secured to the ends of the drive shaft 38, and these gears mesh with similar gearstl secured to the cam shafts 34 and 35. The drive shaft 38 is shown driven from a suitable gear reducer 42 by means of a chain drive 43, and the gear reducer is operatively connected to a suitable motor 44 by a flexible coupling 45. From the foregoing, it will readily be understood that when the motor 44 is operating, the two cam shafts will be driven to alternately move the switch sections lfi'and I? into and out of alinement with their compleinental conveyer sections 2 and 3.

The novel switch mechanism herein disclosed is adapted for automatic operation and, as shown, comprises a motor and a plurality of limit switches, some of which are adapted to be actuated by articles conveyed over the mechanism, and others by the up-and-down movement of the conveyer switch sections it and I1.

As best shown in Figures 1 and 9, limit switches- 46 and 41 are supported over the receiving ends of the stationary conveyer sections 2 and 3, respectively, by means of suitable supports 38 and 49, secured to the structural frames l2 which support the receiving ends of the conveyer sections 2 and 3. These limit switches are of the normally open type, and are adapted to be actuated by pivoted arms 5! and 52 each carrying a roller 53 positioned to be engaged by articles traveling over the conveyer sections, as indicated by the dotted lines in Figures 1 and 9.

Similar limit switches 54 and 55 are shown situated adjacent to the conveyer switch sec tions l5 and I1 and, in the present case, are shown mounted directly beneath the movable switch sections, as best shown in Figure 4. Each of said switches has an arm 51 carrying a roller 58 as shown in Figure 12. The roller of the switch 55 is adapted to be engaged by a depending bracket 59 provided upon the switch section 16, and the roller 58 of the switch 54 is adapted to be engaged by a member 6| provided upon the switch section IT. The limit switches 54 and 55 are of the normally closed type. Actuation of the limit switches 45, 41, 5 and 55 controls the operation of the motor 44 which operates the cam shafts 34 and 35.

In the wiring diagram, Figure 12, I have shown a motor of the reversible type comprising two main control switches 62 and B3. The switch 62 I tor 68.

comprises the usual fixed contacts 54, 65, and 66 connected to the main line conductors El, 88, and 63, by suitable wires H, 12, and T3. The fixed contacts of the switch 62 are adapted to be electrically engaged by a plurality of movable contacts l4, l5, and i6 having wires l3, l9, and BI leading therefrom to the motor M. An actuator 82 is operatively connected to the movable contacts of the switch 32 and isadapted to be actuated by a solenoid coil 33, having a wire 8t connecting one end thereof to a movable contact of the limit switch 45. A wire connects the other end of the coil 83 to the fixed contact 81 of the limit switch 5-4. The movable contact 88 of the limit switch 5 has a wire 85 connecting it to the main line conductor Bil.

The fixed contact 9! of the limit switch -35 is connected by a wire 92 to the main line conductor 69, and a wire 93 leads from the movable contact 85 of the limit switch 33 to a fixed contact 93, adapted to be engaged by movable contact which is operatively connected to the actuator 82, as shown. A wire 88 is shown connecting the movable contact 95 with the movable contact 16 of the motor switch 62.

The other motor switch 63 is shown comprising fixed contacts 9'1, 98, and 99, and wires llil, Hi2, and 83 are shown connecting them respectivelyfto the wires ll, 12, and '13 of the motor switch 62. The fixed contacts of the motor switch 63 are adapted to be electrically engaged by movable contacts E84, Hi5, and E86, having wires I01 and. H38 and I iisconnecting them to the wires 8|, l9, and 78, leading from the motor switch 62 to the motor.

An actuator H l is operatively connected to the movable contacts of the motor switch 63 and is adapted to be actuated by a solenoid coil H2, having a wire H3 connecting one end thereof to the movable contact II of the limit switch 4?. A wire H5 connects the opposite end thereof to the movable contact N5 of the limit switch 55. The fixed contact I l! of the limit switch is connected by a wire H8 to the main line conduc The limit switch 41 has a fixed contact H9 which is electrically connected by a wire l2l to the main line conductor 853. The movable contact H4 of the switch l! has a second wire I22 connecting it to a fixed contact i23 adapted to be engaged by a movable contact 25 shown electrically connected to the movable contact'lec of the motor switch 63 by a wire E25. The movable contact lZt is adapted to be actuated by the actuator HI.

To prevent overrunning of the motor when the supply of current thereto is interrupted, a suitable magnetic brake, indicated by the numeral 126, is operatively associated with the motor 44 and is adapted to be actuated by a spring I38, and a solenoid coil l2? having wires I28 and i529 here shown connecting it to the wires '19 and 8! of the motor circuit. The brake i28 has an arm l3! to the outer end of which is connected an armature I32 adapted to be actuated by the solenoid 921. The brake 52 is normally set by the action of the spring 5 3B, and is released when the solenoid i2? is energized, will subsequently be described.

Operation When the novel switch mechanism herein dis-- closed is employed for transporting sheet metal plates from two or more furnaces to a rolling mill, it is interposed between the discharge ends of the furnaces and the receiving end of the rolling mill as diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 11. When a sheet is discharged from furnace A, as shown in Figure 11, it will engage the roller 53 of the arm 5| of the limit switch 46 and cause 7 the latter to oscillate so that a cam 50 provided at the upper end of the arm will actuate the limit switch 46 and cause it to close. When this switch is closed, a circuit is completed through the solenoid 83 as follows: wire 92, closed limit switch 48, wire 84, solenoid 83, wire 86, normally closed limit switch 54, and wire 89. The wires 92 and 89 are connected to the main line.

When the solenoid 83 is energized, the actuator 82 will be operated to close the motor switch 62, whereupon the motor will operate to rotate the cams 32 and 33 assuming, of course, that the switch section I8 is in a lowered position. Should the switch section 16 be in an elevated position and the switch section I! in a lowered position, the circuit to the solenoid 83 cannot be completed because the limit-switch 54 will then be held open by the member 6! of the switch section N. If, on the other hand, the switch section I6 is in a lowered position and the switch section I1 is in its raised position, the circuit through the solenoid 83 will be completed so that the latter will be energized and operate the motor switch 82. As soon as the cam shafts 34 and 35 have been rotated 589, the member 6i of the switch section I! will engage and open the limit switch 54, whereupon the supply of current to the solenoid 33 will be cut off and the motor switch 82 will return to its normal open position, with the resultant interruption of the motor. The movable contacts of the motor switch 62 may be returned to their normal open positions by means of gravity or by suitable springs, not shown.

It will thus be seen that if the sheets'continue to discharge from the furnace A, the motorwill remain at rest and the switch section I6 will be retained in its raised operative position-in registration with the conveyor section 2. Each time the limit switch 46 is closed by reason ofa sheet orarticle actuating the arm 52 thereof, a circuit is presented to: the solenoid 83, but as long as the switch section I] is in its lowered position, the limit switch 54 will be held open bythe member 3i so that the circuit to the solenoid 83 cannot be completed.

Should a sheet be discharged from'the furnace B onto the conveyer section 3, then the limit switch ll over saidconveyer section will be closed because of the sheet oscillating the arm 52 thereof. The closing of the limit switch 41 will com- I plete a circuit to the solenoid H2 because of the limit switch 55 beneath the switch section libeing in closed position, when said switch section H5 is in its raised operative position. The circuit through the solenoid H2 will be as follows: from the main line conductor 89 through the wire I21, limit switch 41, wire H3, solenoid H2, wire H5, through the closed contacts of the limit switch 55, and thence through the wire H8 to the main line conductor 68. At the instant that the solenoid i 12 becomes energized, the actuator ii i of the motor switch 83 will operate and close said switch, whereupon the motor will be operated in reverse direction until the cam shafts 34 and 35 have been rotated at which time the bracket .59 on the switch section I8. will engage and open the limit switch 55, thereby breaking the circuit to the solenoid H2, whereupon the actuator ill will open the motor switch 83 and cause interruption of the motor, It is to be understood that the magnetic brake I26 is released when the solenoid I 21 is energized and pulls the arm I 3| downwardly. When current flow through the solenoid I2! is interrupted, the brake will automatically be set by the action of the spring I30, as is well known.

It will thus be seen that the operation of this novel conveyer switch mechanism is entirely automatic, and the arrangement of the limit switches is such that if the sheets or articles are alternately delivered to the switch sections I6 and I! from the separate sources of supply, the motor will continuously operate to raise and lowerthe switch sections, so that whenever an article fed from one of the conveyer sections 2 or 3 onto a switch section, the particular switch section connected therewith will automatically raise into registration with said conveyer section so that the articles may pass uninterruptedly over the switch section to the receiving means 8. It will also be noted that if the articles are continuously delivered to one conveyer section, as for example section 2, then the switch section I6 will be retained in alinement therewith so as to present an unbroken path to articles traveling over the apparatus from the furnace A to the receiving means, or rolling mill.

The apparatus, as shown in the drawings, particularly Figures 1 and 5, is constructed as a unit so that it may readily be moved about from Dlace to place. To thus construct the apparatus, the structural frames I2, I3, and I4 are shown mounted upon a suitable sub-frame I32, comprising a pair of beams I33 connected together by suitable cross members I34 and I35 provided at the ends of the structure, and a plurality of intermediate cross members, shown in Figure 2, and upon which the motor and driving mechanism may be supported. Suitable lifting bars I36 and I 31 are provided adjacent the ends of the structure having apertures I38 and I39 therein, respectively, adapted to be engaged by suitable hooks I4I of a plurality of lifting chains I42, partially indicated in Figures 1, 5, and 9. By thus constructing the apparatus, it may readily be moved about from place to place by means of a crane or other suitable lifting device. 7

In Figure 13, I have shown a switch mechanism adapted to receive articles or plates from three separate sources of supply such, for example, as furnaces A, B, and 0. As here shown, the switch sections 2a and 3a correspond to the switch sections 2 and 3 shown in Figure 11 and, in like manner, the conveyer section Ba corresponds to the similar switch sections 8, shown in Figure II. Alined with the conveyer section 8a is a curved conveyer section I43 which is adapted to receive articles from the conveyer section 8 and deliver them to a switch section lBa arranged adjacent to the rolling mill in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 11. A similar curved conveyer section I44 connects the switch section IIa at the right hand side of Figure 13, with a conveyer section I45 which has its receiving end positioned to receive plates from the third furnace C.

By thus arranging the switch sections l6 and I1, and I61; and I'Ia, an apparatus is provided which is adapted to: receive from three separate 7 sources of supply. It is also to be noted that the two switch mechanisms employed in the structure, may be of like construction, and the control or limit switches provided may be arranged in substantially the same manner as those shown in Figure 11, and their functions will be substantially the same.

When plates are being discharged from furnace A, the switch sections I1 and Na will be retained in their lower inoperative positions so that plates traveling from furnace A to the rolling mill, may pass uninterruptedly over the apparatus. Should a plate be discharged from furnace B, switch 41 will be actuated to cause the switch section I! to move into operative position whereby the switch section I6 will be lowered to its inoperative position. The plates may then be transferred from furnace B over the switch section I! and switch section I60, to the rolling mill, it being understood that switch section Ifia will be retained in operative position until the limit switch 41a is actuated. When a plate is discharged from furnace C, it will travel over the conveyer section I45 and engage limit switch 41a which will cause the switch section 11a to be moved into operative position, whereby the adjacent switch section I 611 will be lowered to its inoperative position. It will thus be seen that by arranging two sets of switch mechanisms, as shown in Figure 13, an apparatus is provided which will receive plates or articles from three separate sources of supply and deliver them to a single receiving means.

In the drawings I have shown the apparatus adapted for use to transfer sheets from either side of a continuous double heating furnace to a finishing mill for finish-rolling thin sheet metal plates. The sheets are never discharged from both sides A and B of the furnace at the same time, but are discharged either alternately from both sides of the furnace, or continuously from one side thereof, and in spaced relation, so that but one sheet or article is delivered to the switch sections I6 and IT at a time. Obviously, the apparatus may be used for various other purposes when applicable. It is also to be understood that the operating mechanism for raising and lowering the switch sections I 6 and I! may be varied without departing from the scope of the invention. In some cases, it may also be found desirable to dispense with the stationary conveyer sections 2 and 3 and lengthen the switch sections I6 and i I so that the articles may be delivered directly thereto from the delivery means. The receiving conveyer section 8 may also be dispensed with in some installations. It is also to be understood that a non-reversible motor may be used in lieu of the reversible type motor shown.

In the drawings I have shown the apparatus arranged for transporting articles from separate sources of supply to a single receiving means. It is to be understood, however, that by reversing the inclination of the apparatus from that shown in Figure 1, the movement of the articles over the apparatus may be reversed, that is, articles may then be fed from the conveyer 8 onto the conveyer sections 2 and 3.

I claim as my invention:

1. In an apparatus of the class described, a plurality of stationary conveyer sections, vertically movable conveyer sections longitudinally alined with said stationary sections and converging therefrom to a single receiving means, and means for simultaneously actuating said movable sections to cause them to move into and out of registration with their respective stationary sections.

2. In an apparatus of the class described, a plurality of stationary conveyer sections, vertically movable conveyer switch sections longitudinally alined with said stationary sections and converging therefrom to a single receiving means,

and interconnected means for simultaneously actuating said movable sections to cause them to alternately move into and out of registration with their respective stationary conveyer sections.

3. In an apparatus of the class described, a plurality of movable switch sections adapted to receive articles from separate sources of supply, said movable switch sections converging to a singlereceiving means whereby all articles received by said sections will be delivered to said receiving means, and means for raising and lowering the receiving ends of said switch sections to control the movement of articles traveling thereover.

4. In a switch mechanism of the class described, a plurality of stationary conveyer sections, pivoted conveyer switch sections leading from said stationary conveyer sections to a single conveying means, mechanism for alternately raising and lowering said switch sections into and out of registration with said stationary conveyer sections, a driving means for said'mechanism, and means positioned to be actuated by articles traveling over said stationary conveyer sections to control the operation of said driving means;

5. In a switch mechanism of the class described, a plurality of stationary conveyer sections, pivoted switch sections leading from said stationary conveyer sections to a single conveying means, mechanism for alternately raising and lowering said switch sections into and out of registration with said stationary conveyer sections, a driving means for said mechanism, and means for automatically controlling the operation of said driving means, comprising a plurality of electric switches electrically connected with said driving means, and certain of said switches being positioned to be actuated by articles delivered tosaid stationary conveyer sections. 7

6. In a switch mechanism of the class described, a plurality of conveyer switch sections having their discharge ends converging to a single receiving means, mechanism for alternately raising and lowering said switch sections into and out of operative positions in a given plane, a driving means for said mechanism, an electric switch at the receiving end of each conveyer switch section provided with means adapted to be engaged by articles passing over said switch sections to thereby actuate said switches, other electric switches electrically associated with said firstmentioned switches and adapted to be opened and closed when said conveyer sections are moved up and down, and all of said electric switches being operatively associated with said driving means and so arranged that when an article is to be delivered to a selected conveyer switch section, said electric switches will cooperate to cause said driving means to operate and move said selected switch section into load receiving position.

7. In a switch mechanism of the class described, a supporting structure, a plurality of stationary conveyer sections at one end thereof and a single conveyer section at the opposite end thereof, movable conveyer switch sections connecting said stationary conveyer sections with said receiving section, mechanism for alternately raising and lowering said switch sections into and out of registration with their respective conveyer sections, a motorfor operating said mechanism, a normally open limit switch over each stationary conveyer section having means normally positioned in the path of articles traveling over said conveyer sections, a normally closed limit switch positioned adjacent to each conveyer switch section,

means adapted to open said second mentioned limit switches when their respective conveyer switch sections are in lowered position, and all of said limit switches beinginterconnected with the motor circuit and adapted to" automatically control the operation of the motor when articles are traveling over said switch mechanism.

8. In a switch mechanism of the class described, a plurality of stationary conveyer sections, conveyer switch sections longitudinally alined with said stationary conveyer sections and converging to a single receiving means, mechanism for alternately raising and lowering said switch sections into and out of registration with their re spective stationary conveyer sections, a driving means for said mechanism including an electric motor, a normally open limit switch over each stationary conveyer section provided with means adapted to be engaged by articles passing over said conveyer sections to automatically close said limit switches, a-normally closed limit switch adjacent to each conveyer switch section, said normally closed switches having means adapted to be actuated by downward movement of their respective conveyer switch sections to temporarily close said limit switches, and said limit switches being electrically associated with the motor circuit and so arranged that when an article is delivered to a selected stationary conveyer section, the limit switches associatedtherewith will cooperate to control the operation of said motor and cause the conveyer switch section alined with said selected conveyer section to move into registration so that the article may pass uninterruptedly over said switch mechanism onto the receiving means.

9. In an apparatus of the class described, a plurality of curved switch sections adapted to receive articles from separate sources of supply and deliver them to a common receiving means, each switch section comprising spaced rails having" anti-friction wheels mounted thereon, and the rails of one section being disposed in intersecting relation to the rails of another section, operating means for alternately raising and lowering said switch sections into and out of a given plane to receive and carry a load, and a plurality of control devices cooperating to automatically control the operation of said operating means, certain of said control devices being positioned to be actuated by articles passing over the apparatus, and others being positioned to be actuated by said switch sections, when vertically moved.

10. In an apparatus of the class described, a plurality of curved switch sections adapted to receive articles from separate sources of supply and deliver them to a common receiving means, said sections being pivotally mounted at one end, each section comprising a plurality of spaced rails having anti-friction wheels mounted thereon, and the rails of one section being disposed in intersecting relation to the rails or another section, operating means for alternately raising and lowering the free ends of said switch sections into and out of a given plane to receive and carry a load, and a plurality of control devices cooperating to automatically control the operation of said operating means, certain of said control devices being positioned to be actuated by articles passing over the apparatus, and others being positioned to be actuated by said switch sections, when vertically moved.

11. In an apparatus of the class described, a

plurality of vertically movable switch sections Cir for automatically controlling the operation of adapted to receive articles from separate sources of supply, said movable switch sections converging to a single receiving means whereby all articles fed onto said sections may be delivered to said receiving means, operating means for actuating said switch sections to selectively move them into operative positions with said receiving means, and a control mechanism for said operating means comprising a plurality of elements operatively associated therewith and adapted to be actuated by articles traveling over the apparatus.

12. In an apparatus of the class described, a plurality of vertically movable switch sections, a single conveyer connected to said switch sections, operative means for simultaneously actuating said movable switch sections to'cause them to alternately move into and out of operative positions, and a plurality of elements operatively associated with said operating means and positioned to be engaged by articles delivered to said switch sections whereby said elements will be actuated by the articles and thereby control the movement of said switch sections.

13. In an apparatus of the class described, a

1 plurality of vertically movable switch sections spaced apart at one end of the apparatus and converging to a single receiving means at the opposite end thereof, a mechanism for actuating said movable switch sections to cause them to alternately move into and out of operative positions, and means positioned to be actuated by articles passing over said apparatus to control the operation of said mechanism.

14. In an apparatus of the class described, a

plurality of movable switch sections spaced apart at one end of the apparatus and converging to a single receiving means at the opposite end thereof, a mechanism for moving said switch sections into and out of operative positions, and means said mechanism, comprising a plurality of control elements, certain of which are positioned to be actuated by articles delivered onto the apparatus.

15. In an apparatus of the class described, a plurality of movable switch sections spaced apart at one end of theapparatus and converging to a single receiving means at the opposite end thereof, a mechanism for moving said switch sections into and out of operative positions, and means for automatically controlling the operation of said mechanism, comprising a plurality of control elements, certain of which are positioned to be actuated by articles delivered onto the apparatus, and others of which are actuated by movement of said switch sections.

16. In an apparatus of the class described, a plurality of movable switch sections spaced apart at one end of the apparatus and converging to a single receiving means at the opposite end thereof, a mechanism for imparting up-and-down movements to said switch sections to move them into and out of operative positions, and a control means associated with said mechanism and made operable by articles delivered onto the apparatus, to thereby automatically control the operation of said mechanism.

17. In an apparatus of the class described, a plurality of movable switch sections spaced apart at one end of the apparatus and converging to a single receiving means at the opposite end thereof, a mechanism for imparting up-and-down movements to said switch sections to move them into and out of operative positions, and a control means associated with said mechanism and made operable by articles delivered onto the apparatus, to thereby automatically control the operation of said mechanism, said control means comprising a plurality of interconnected control elements, certain of which are positioned to be engaged by the articles.

MARTIN J. ANDERSON. 

